Print on Demand (POD) is an amazing technology for businesses of all sizes that gives you the power to print Brochures, Postcards, Business Cards, even T-Shirts and Signs and other items that are normally printed in large quantities but without the cost associated with large print runs and warehousing. There’s a seemingly endless array of POD partners online – so how do you choose the perfect one? Finding a reliable POD partner can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be! In this guide, we’ll walk through the important questions you need to ask in order to find the best fit for your business needs. With these tips, you’ll feel confident about picking a partner that will help take your designs from idea to creation quickly and seamlessly. So let’s get started!
First, you need to determine the types of printed materials you need to create and sell or distribute. Are you looking for an internal portal for employees to order business development tools like Business Cards, leave behind materials like Brochures, Book Marks, and Pamphlets? Or do you want to use the system to help control inventory and print just what you need to minimize waste and the need for storage? Once you have that figured out, it’s time to research potential POD partners. Make sure they offer a wide selection of product categories that match your needs, as well as an easy-to-use ordering system. The partner should also have competitive pricing and offer fast shipping options either locally or worldwide.
It’s also important to look at the quality of their prints. Ask questions such as “What types of materials do they use?” or “How long will my orders take to be delivered?” Don’t forget about customer service either – make sure the partner has a reliable customer service team. Finally, check for any hidden fees that may not be included in their pricing structure. Generally speaking, most print-on-demand partners will charge a setup fee which covers costs such as pre-press production expenses, and any setup involving digital or physical proofs. They usually also include additional charges for shipping to the fulfillment center or customer’s address (if different). It’s important to understand what is included in the printed product price before signing up with any partner to ensure you get the best value for your budget. It is important to note that delivery and shipping will vary depending on the type of product you are producing and in what quantity you are ordering. It is best to understand that Taxes, processing fees, and delivery costs will always be added to the invoice.
Once you have an idea of who your top contenders might be, it’s time to do some more digging. Take a look at reviews from other customers and try to find out what kind of experiences they had with each POD partner. Doing this research will help you get a better understanding of who provides the best quality products, customer service, and overall experience. You should also see if they offer any sort of volume discounts or special deals so you can save money when ordering in bulk.
Choosing the right POD partner is key to success when the goal is to save money, save inventory and allow for flexibility depending on your budget. Look for a partner that offers custom products and reliable customer service, with competitive pricing and fast delivery options. Once you’ve done your research, you can confidently select the perfect POD partner to help bring your designs to life. At CO2 Productions, we have a variety of printing capabilities in one place, such as screen printing, sublimation, direct-to-garment printing, digital offset and traditional offset printing options and more. We work closely with our clients to create relationships with some of the most innovative partners in the industry so we can bring quality services, excellent products and great prices. If you are ready to start taking advantage of this opportunity and expanding your brand today, contact us now!